–A burial ceremony turned chaotic on Friday after two MPs, Japheth Nyakundi (Kitutu Chache North) and Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), engaged in a physical confrontation over President William Ruto’s leadership.
Clash over President Ruto’s promises
Trouble began when Hon. Kibagendi, a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza government, accused President Ruto of deceiving Kenyans with empty promises.
“We were hoodwinked as a community and as a nation to elect a president who is a liar, a president who has messed up our education…” Kibagendi said before he was cut short.
This angered Hon. Nyakundi, a close ally of the President, who stormed the podium to defend Ruto’s record. The heated verbal exchange quickly escalated into a fistfight.
Mourners forced to intervene
The scuffle shocked mourners, who rushed forward to separate the two lawmakers. Security personnel and members of the public eventually restored calm, but the burial ceremony was briefly disrupted.
Eyewitnesses said the confrontation highlighted the deep political divisions in Kisii County, where leaders remain sharply split between supporting the ruling Kenya Kwanza alliance and the opposition.
Political tension in Kisii
The dramatic clash comes at a time when President Ruto is facing mounting criticism over the rising cost of living, delayed fulfillment of campaign pledges, and unrest among Gen Z activists who staged mass protests in June 2024.
Analysts say the incident is a sign of growing political polarisation within Gusii politics, where leaders are jostling for influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For related updates, check out our Kenyan politics coverage and a BBC analysis of Kenya’s political divisions.
